SETE: Greek Tourism Needs Effective Destination Management Plan

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The role of Greece’s local authorities in the management and operation of destinations and the much-needed upgrade of the country’s tourism infrastructure were among the issues discussed during a meeting on Thursday, between Greek Tourism Confederaton (SETE) President Yiannis Retsos and Interior Minister Panagiotis Theodorikakos.

According to SETE, the operation of destinations is strongly connected with the simple everyday needs of the residents and tourism professionals that seek for energy efficiency, cleanliness, safety and healthcare.

Photo: SETE/ANA-MPA/Pantelis Saitas

The Confederation proposes that Greece implements a waste management policy that will respect the environment and people; adopts energy efficiency and water management practices; upgrades its public areas and reduce visual pollution; improves its road network.

SETE also called for a productive cooperation in order for the country to benefit from EU’s National Strategic Reference Framework programs -also known as ESPA – during 2021-2027.

Also important for the sustainable development of Greek destinations are the EU’s Regional Operational Programs.

Additionally, SETE stressed the need for the promotion of destinations through strategic planning and marketing activities.

Also present at the meeting were SETE Secretary General George Vernicos, Marketing Greece CEO, Ioanna Dretta, SETE General Manager George Amvrazis and INSETE General Manager Ilias Kikilias.